This document discusses the challenges facing non-profit organizations in obtaining grants in 2020 due to bushfires and the global pandemic. It notes that funding bodies redirected some funds to bushfire relief and that donations have decreased for many non-profits. When applying for grants, applicants need to consider how events may be cancelled or delayed and how participant numbers may be reduced due to restrictions. The document provides some tips for strong grant applications, such as carefully reviewing eligibility criteria and formatting requirements, and recommends hiring a professional grant writer to help navigate the complex grant writing process.

1. 1P A G E

2. 2P A G E
q It has been quite a challenging start to 2020 as a whole, as well as on the grants
front.
q Starting the year off with bushfires, we saw some funding bodies redirecting
their funding efforts to the bushfire victims and the recovery process at local and
state levels.
q Not-for-Profit organisations and groups around Australia are currently witnessing
a reduction in donations. It is a stressful time for all.

3. 3P A G E
q Now we are facing a new threat, in the form of a virus, creating a global
pandemic.
q The impacts of the virus and associated precautions are changing rapidly. It is
early days yet, and we are yet to see a negative impact on any grant programs
specifically.
q Positively, there have been new grants made available and an economic stimulus
package from the Federal Government, to assist households and businesses.

4. 4P A G E
The current risks for Not-for-Profits organisations and grant recipients is the further
reduction in donations, and modifications that will have to be negotiated and
included in funding agreements for such things as:
Ø Events that will need to be cancelled or postponed
Ø Capital works programs that will be delayed
Ø Local community programs that do not have staff or volunteers available to
operate them.

5. 5P A G E
Ø Less participants and beneficiaries than were predicted in the grant
applications and the finalised funding agreements
Ø Unavoidable delays on project milestones as well as project completion dates.

6. 6P A G E
If you are considering writing a grant application, it is advisable to:
Ø Review the funding agreements to see if allowances have been made for
possible delays and setbacks caused by pandemic restrictions
Ø Consider how current advice regarding public gatherings as well as staff and
volunteers restricted to staying at home, will impact on your project delivery.
Ø Review your forecasted participant numbers, and consider whether there will
be a reduction in this number
Ø Consider if further restrictions will impact your project and how will it change

7. 7P A G E
As before the challenges of 2020, there are some tried and true grant writing tips.
Ø Read the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you are eligible to apply. No
good will come of wasting the funding body’s time.
Ø If you have questions, ask the funding body directly rather than guess what
they are after. Ensure you do this before writing your grant application.
Ø NEVER attempt to change the format of the grant application. Funding bodies
do not like this at all.

8. 8P A G E
Ø Do not use fancy language or technical jargon just for the sake of it. Keep the
grant applications clear and concise.
Ø Make sure you respond to each and every question. If you really do not think a
question applies to you, the absolute minimum you should respond is N/A.

9. 9P A G E
q Grant writing is more challenging and stressful than ever. To help navigate the
complexities of the grant writing process, consider investing in a professional
grant writer.
q An experienced grant writer will work with you to write a fund winning grant
application. Red Tape Busters has a team of professional and enthusiastic grant
writers eager to assist you.
q Whether you require a grant writer Sydney, a Grant writer NSW, a grant writer
Melbourne or a grant writer anywhere across our nation, Red Tape Busters are
waiting for you now.

10. 10P A G E
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11. 11P A G E
Thank You!!